Pierce County dramatic pursuit ends in crash, deputies warn about wrong-way driving
Sep 8, 2026, 2:00 PM
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies said they’re thankful everyone is OK after a dramatic pursuit ended in a crash Tuesday morning in Spanaway.
PCSO Deputy Carly Cappetto said it happened around 1:30 am on Mountain Highway East after a man was spotted driving the wrong way and swerving out of his lane. Watch the video here.
“They did see this vehicle not able to maintain his lane, and at one point he had almost gone into a ditch,” Cappetto said.
She told KIRO 7 the pursuit speeds reached over 100mph.
Deputies worked with the Washington State Patrol to throw out stop sticks as the truck approached. The sticks were successful, shredding all four tires of the F-250, but the driver kept going.
The chase lasted about 6 miles as deputies tried to get to a safe spot for a PIT maneuver.
“There are dangers of choosing to pursue a vehicle or not. Then we also have the dangers of making the choice not to pursue, and then somebody dies or gets hurt because we chose not to pursue,” Cappetto said.
Capetto said the suspect told them he didn’t want to go to jail; that’s why he ran from them.
Now he’s facing charges for driving on a suspended license, felony assault, and eluding with a vehicle.
Capetto said this should be a warning to people to pay attention when on the road, because you never know what could happen around you.
